Playing football in front of the Eiffel Tower, recruiters and his favorite rappers.
This is what the Impulsstar 5-a-side football tournament offers to young people between 14 and 16 years old, who come to represent their district, their city or their department.
The best teams from the qualifications meet this Monday, August 29, at the Émile-Anthoine stadium (7th arrondissement of Paris), with in sight, a step away, the most famous French monument.
In three words, Impulstar is "sport, social and diversity", promises its founder, Bernard Messi.
“I think the tournament brings people together.
It has a strong social message, which touches the youth.
We try to put forward the right values, the values of sport, those that bring people together, ”he continues.
The opportunity above all to "starify the youth", according to the organizer.
"Usually, all these young people go to stadiums to see players or concerts, and, on this day, the stars are them," adds Bernard Messi.
Young people who, for many, dream of becoming footballers.
Impulsstar is celebrating its 11th edition this year, and has seen many future pros, such as French internationals Ibrahima Konaté, Moussa Diaby and Jonathan Ikoné.
Get noticed by recruiters
"I remember Jonathan Ikoné, who was the best player in season 4. He was exceptional, he dazzled us all," recalls Bernard Messi.
For some, the tournament can be an opportunity to get noticed by the recruiters who are there.
Among the great stories, that of Georges-Kévin Nkoudou, who convinced a recruiter from FC Nantes during the first tournament, was selected for testing, and then joined the Canaries.
But beyond football, the tournament, of which Instagram is a partner, is also an opportunity to mix worlds.
Dancers and artists are present, and the list of rappers does not leave anyone indifferent this year.
This Monday, players and spectators will be able to attend performances by Orelsan or Laylow, British star Central Cee or sensation Tiakola.
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“For young people, you have to tell yourself that they may not have the money and the opportunity to go to concerts.
So the fact of seeing us for free, that's where it makes me happy.
They may only see us once in their life, so we give the maximum of what we have, even if it goes quickly, but at least we give all our energy, ”says Tiakola.
“For young people, it represents hope”
Before being invited as a rapper with millions of plays, the native of Seine-Saint-Denis played in the tournament in 2015. “Good memories!
It is a day during which you take pleasure.
For young people, it represents hope and the fact of believing in oneself, ”he assures.
But at the time, the tournament took place rather at the halle Georges-Carpentier (XIIIth arrondissement).
"It makes me happy because it has evolved," says Tiakola.
I had not had the opportunity to play at the Eiffel Tower.
For the players, it's as if they were at the Parc des Princes!
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The rapper Tiakola was already present in 2021. Impulsar
A unique opportunity, which draws its strength from meeting people from different backgrounds, according to the rapper: "It brings everyone together, all departments, and it's going well.
Whether it's the artists or the footballers, everyone is mixed and smiling.
That's what gives it strength.
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So this Monday, an appointment is made for rappers as for players, and distinguished guests are also planned on the football side.
Players from the France team will be present in particular in the morning, to support the young people of the women's tournament, more than ever in the game.